New Caledonian Monarch Fly vs New Zealand Yellow Admiral

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute New Caledonian Monarch Fly New Zealand Yellow Admiral
Scientific Name Bactrocera umbrosa Vanessa itea
Order Diptera Lepidoptera
Family Tephritidae Nymphalidae
Size 7-10 mm 45-55 mm wingspan
Habitat Orchards Gardens
Diet Fruit Feeders Fruit Feeders
Regions New Caledonia, Pacific Islands Oceania (New Zealand, also Australia)
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

New Caledonian Monarch Fly

A fruit fly found in New Caledonia and the western Pacific. It is a pest of breadfruit and jackfruit trees.

💡

Did You Know?

Males gather in large leks on fruit trees where they display to attract females.

New Zealand Yellow Admiral

A native New Zealand butterfly closely related to the red admiral but featuring prominent yellow-orange patches on its wings. It is widespread across both islands and is a common garden visitor. Adults are strong fliers and may occasionally migrate.

💡

Did You Know?

Yellow admirals are one of the few New Zealand butterflies that occasionally make trans-Tasman crossings between Australia and New Zealand.